Western Hognose Snake

Enclosure

A single adult thrives in a 20–40 gallon long enclosure with plenty of floor space. Use loose, diggable substrate—cypress mulch mixed with sand or aspen is ideal and safe. Provide multiple hides.

Basking spot

88–92°F

Cool side

72–78°F

Ambient

80–82°F

Humidity

30–50% (keep dry, but give a moist hide for shedding)

UVB

Optional but beneficial. Low-output UVB recommended.

Temperature Tolerance

Ideal range 75–90°F. They can tolerate brief drops to mid-60s and short spikes to mid-90s, but avoid extremes.

Diet and Hydration

Hognoses eat mostly appropriately sized mice in captivity. Some individuals are picky and may refuse food during stress or seasonally.

Weekly Feeding Schedule

Babies

1 pinky mouse every 4–5 days

Juveniles

1 fuzzy/hopper every 5–7 days

Adults

1 adult mouse every 7–10 days

• Underweight females may need slightly more during breeding season

Food Options

Staples

Frozen-thawed mice (proper size)

Treats

Quail chicks (rarely), amphibian-scented prey

No Feed / Toxic

Wild toads, insects, lizards, anything live caught

Hydration

Keep a small, shallow water bowl available at all times. They do not soak often but will drink regularly.

Supplements

Generally no calcium needed unless feeding soft-bodied prey. Vitamin supplements unnecessary when feeding mice.

Diet-Related Behaviors

Picky eating is extremely common. Scenting prey with tuna, salmon, frog, or gecko can help. Avoid overfeeding—hognoses become obese easily.

Health

Potential health concerns include

• Respiratory infections from high humidity or low temps
• Parasites (internal or mites) if exposed to wild prey
• Impaction from ingesting loose substrate when temps/hydration are low
• Obesity from overfeeding
• Rare allergic-like reactions in some humans from mild venom, but not medically significant

Monitor for wheezing, mouth bubbles, stuck shed, refusing food long-term, or weight changes.

Handling

Hognoses are generally tolerant and calm once used to handling. Babies may bluff, hiss, or head-flatten—this is all harmless behavior. Avoid handling too much right after meals (wait 48 hours).

They can get stressed with excessive handling, especially during shedding or if they haven't eaten recently.

Handling Tips

• Scoop, don’t grab. Support the whole body.
• If it “hoods up” or hisses, remain calm and let it settle.
• Never bring your hand toward its face quickly during a bluff strike.

Good for Shows?

Yes, with conditions. Western hognoses typically make excellent show snakes because:

• They’re small
• They’re dry and clean
• They rarely poop during handling
• They tolerate heat well
• They can be boxed for transport

However, choose only very calm individuals that do not bluff excessively around crowds. Babies are not suitable—use adults only.

Requirements for Show Animals

A hognose meets nearly all requirements if well socialized:

• Friendly, handleable and Very clean
• Can do multiple shows/day and be boxed over a day